Pastor's Desk

Dear Parishioners,The season of Advent has begun. At this time of year, it is getting darker earlier and the temperature outside is colder. It is also the time of year when we enjoy coming home in the evening to the warmth of our home and to be with our family.

The season of Advent is a season of preparation. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of our Savior. On the first Sunday of Advent, the first candle on the Advent wreath is lit. Each Sunday in Advent, an additional candle will be lit symbolizing that we are closer to Jesus' coming into the world.

It is important to remember that everyday for us is a time of preparation. In the season of Advent, we prepare to celebrate when Jesus first came into the world. But everyday we are preparing for when Jesus comes a second time and we face our final judgment.

During the season of Advent, we may feel closer to one another as we buy gifts and plan for our Christmas celebration. We may also find ourselves being kinder to one another as we prepare for our special day. But the extra time we give to God and the extra goodness we show to one another is not only to happen during Advent. This is how Jesus asks us to live everyday.

We truly show our love for God and others in Advent as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Let's be sure to remember that everyday is a time of preparation. So after we celebrate Christmas, nothing needs to change. Jesus will come again. Let's prepare for his coming that day the same way we prepare to celebrate his first coming- through our love for God and one another.